DAYTONA
BEACH, Fla. – The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR)
announced today that Nationwide Insurance will become title sponsor of the
NASCAR Nationwide Series, replacing Anheuser-Busch’s Busch brand at the
start of the 2008 season. Nationwide Insurance will also become the official
auto, home and life insurance provider of NASCAR.

The seven-year agreement gives Nationwide Insurance the
exclusive rights to tie its brand to the most popular form of motorsports in
the U.S. Nationwide Insurance will enjoy the support of the most brand-loyal
fans in all of sports, including 2.7 million who annually attend races of
the series, which features 35 points events at 26 tracks across North
America, including Mexico City and Montreal.

“We are thrilled that we had the opportunity to select a
partner in Nationwide Insurance who is as excited as NASCAR about taking the
NASCAR Nationwide Series to even higher levels of popularity,” said NASCAR
Chairman and CEO Brian France. “Nationwide Insurance is an ideal partner for
NASCAR, advocating safe driving, and already serving millions of NASCAR fans
with its auto, health, and life insurance. The company has a real passion
for NASCAR, which will benefit our fans and all the participants in our
industry.”

“Nationwide is excited about this long-term partnership and
recognizes that NASCAR has the most loyal and dedicated fan base of any
sport,” said James Lyski, Chief Marketing Officer for Nationwide. “We look
forward to putting tremendous energy and resources into supporting this
sponsorship and advancing the profile of the NASCAR Nationwide Series.”

The NASCAR Nationwide Series, broadcast on ESPN2 and ABC is stronger than
ever. The series is the third highest-rated regular-season sport on cable
television. Viewership in 2007 to date vs. 2000 is up 52%. The 2005 and 2006
seasons were the most viewed in series history.

Nationwide Insurance, which will generate approximately $200 million in
annual media exposure through its sponsorship, is already serving millions
of NASCAR fans with auto, home, and life insurance. Nationwide Insurance has
had a partnership with track operator Speedway Motorsports Inc., for the
past eight years, providing “On Your Side” information guides,
transportation services and fan pit stops.

“Nationwide is a company that helps consumers plan for their futures, so
they can achieve their dreams,” Lyski said. “The NASCAR Nationwide Series
provides a unique environment for Nationwide to extend its On Your Side
brand promise, not only to race fans, but to the next generation of
outstanding NASCAR drivers pursuing their dreams of competing at the highest
level.”

NASCAR fans are more likely to feel loyal towards an insurance company that
is a sponsor, according to the ESPN Sports Poll. Additionally, NASCAR fans
are more likely to have automobiles, be homeowners, and have children in the
household, according to Simmons National Consumer Survey research.

About Nationwide
Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified
insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than
$160 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks #104 on the Fortune 500 list. The
company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including
auto, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life, farm, commercial insurance,
administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions,
long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more
information, visit www.nationwide.com.

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